Honourable Artillery Company

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is the oldest regiment within the British Army. It has a long and distinguished history. The HAC is now a renowned regiment within Britain's Territorial Army (TA). As of September 2014, the HAC is part of the 1st Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade.

The Honourable Artillery Company's current role is one of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA). The HAC's STA role is similar to 4/73 Battery of 5 Regiment Royal Artillery (5 Regt RA).

The HAC consists of:

One STA patrol squadron, 1 (Special OP) Sqn. This unit is paired with 4/73 Battery and consists of a number of STA patrols. These patrols are small teams of 4-6 men who insert into enemy-held territory and carry ouy static covert surveillance in order to gather intelligence and find targets for deep strike systems such as MLRS artillery and strike aircraft. HAC STA patrols also have a Human Environment Reconnaissance and Analysis (HERA) role.

Two STA squadrons (2 & 3 Sqns). These are paired with P Battery (The Dragon Troop) and 93 (Le Cateau) Battery, 5 Regt RA. Their role is that of ground-based Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) which includes the use of sensors to detect and monitor enemy movements. The squadrons are also equipped with the Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar for the Counter Indirect Fire role i.e. pinpointing the point of origin of enemy mortar fire.

HAC STA patrols are trained in long range communications, navigation and target recognition. At least one member of a given patrol will be a fully trained medic.

The HAC also has a ceremonial role, providing Guards of Honour at the Guildhall and Gun Salutes at the Tower of London.

HAC Selection and Training

Selection for the Honourable Artillery Company is open to civilians aged 18-32 (or older for those with previous military experience).

Those without a military background undergo a HAC Recruits' Course that gets them up to speed with basic soldiering skills. The Recruit's course lasts six months (Tuesday evenings, about one weekend a month and a ten-day final exercise).